Ten-man Eastleigh are beaten

Eastleigh suffered a disappointing defeat in Essex as Concord came from 2-1 behind to beat them 3-2. Having trailed 1-0 at the interval Eastleigh equalised through Ben Wright three minutes into the second half, writes Malcolm Clarke.

Eastleigh’s task was made a lot harder when, following a challenge on home captain Steve King, Reece Connolly was shown a straight red.

However Eastleigh responded by taking off Stuart Fleetwood and replacing him with defender Chris Dillon. Eastleigh then took the lead when a poor backpass set up Ben Scrivens who had a simple tap-in. However the visitors drew level when substitute Tony Stokes headed home from a corner.

At the end of normal time a header by fellow substitute Steve Cawley from a cross by James White gave Concord the lead.

Eastleigh kept battling and, right at the end of added on time, Strevens had a header saved by Butler. However, despite enthusiastic travelling support, it was another disappointing defeat for Eastleigh in Essex – although they still have a lot to play for.

Eastleigh had made three changes to the starting line-up from Tuesday’s game at Eastbourne, with Jamie Collins, Ben Wright and Reece Connolly starting.

Early on Eastleigh forced home goalkeeper Jamie Butler into action, firstly blocking an effort from Strevens and then diving at the feet of Wright. He also saved a free kick from Michael Green. And in another Eastleigh attack, Wright shot narrowly over the bar.

But, for all their pressing, Eastleigh could not find the target.

Concord, however, were playing with determination and they scored a goal with their first attack of note in the 37th minute when Taylor Miles set up SAM COLLINS who scored with an excellent strike from just outside the penalty area.

James White for the home team also had a shot saved by Eastleigh goalkeeper Ross Flitney in the first half.